The Silicone Revolution: Why Silicone Implants Are Making a Strong Comeback

Silicone breast implants are the popular choice among Portland breast augmentation patients as well as among patients throughout the United States. But silicone breast implants were not always so popular. In fact, for many years they were not even available for use in cosmetic breast enhancement procedures.

Below, Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Bohley reviews the FDA approval history of silicone breast implants and shares reasons silicone implants have made such a strong comeback since the days they were unavailable for use in breast augmentation surgery.

Silicone Implants and the FDA

In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended use of silicone breast implants due to health concerns that some patients had about this type of implant. However, in 2006, the FDA lifted the ban, after several years of clinical studies during which the agency studied the safety of silicone implants and concluded that they are indeed safe for use in breast augmentation surgery.

Why Silicone Breast Implants Are Now the Implant of Choice

Ever since the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants for use in surgical breast enhancement, they have enjoyed popularity. Why are silicone implants now the implant of choice among patients?

One reason silicone breast implants are popular is that they look and feel more like natural breasts. Also, they are less likely to fold or ripple within the implant pocket. They are also less likely to be visible underneath the surface of skin, making them a good choice for women with thin skin or little body fat, as a sufficient amount of skin, fat and existing glandular tissue is necessary to cover implants properly.

Silicone Implants 2.0

In addition, in 2012 and 2013, the FDA approved the use of a new generation of silicone breast implants in breast augmentation surgery. This newest generation of implants is made of more solid silicone filling material that is highly cohesive and form stable.

Highly cohesive silicone implants offer several distinct benefits. For example, these silicone implants, often called “gummy bear” implants thanks to the gummy-like consistency of the filling material, stay intact within or near the implant pocket in case of rupture, making them easier for Dr. Bohley to remove, if needed. It is also very unlikely that they will shift within the implant pocket, even while the patient is fully reclining. Finally, gummy bear implants come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including an anatomically correct teardrop shape. This variety of shapes and sizes appeals to a larger female audience.

Join the Silicone Revolution

If you are considering undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Portland with Dr. Bohley, you may want to consider the benefits of silicone breast implants. Although silicone implants are slightly more expensive than their saline counterpart, they are the popular choice among patients for good reason.